The Five Colleges of Ohio, Inc. and The Ohio State University joined forces this summer to support 26 undergraduate students' participation in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program. Established in 2018, the SURE program creates opportunities for students from Ohio Five institutions -- including the College of Wooster, Denison University, Kenyon College, Oberlin College, and Ohio Wesleyan University -- to participate in summer-long research projects, working directly with faculty at The Ohio State University.
Over the course of the ten week program, Ohio Five students live on campus at Ohio State, participate in a series of workshops and professional development events, engage with current graduate students, and connect with a range of Ohio State faculty.
The Summer 2022 SURE cohort included students pursuing research internships in biochemistry, chemistry, mathematics, microbiology, physics, public health, and statistics. The program concluded in late July with a capstone event, giving students an opportunity to present their research to faculty and academic leaders from both Ohio State and their home institutions.
“The SURE program is a fantastic opportunity for Ohio Five students from exceptional liberal arts institutions to apply their communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills at a leading research university,” said OH5 Executive Director Lindsey Interlante. “Importantly, the SURE experience helps to inform participating students’ post-graduation plans and gives them a glimpse into what graduate school might be like.”
Consistent with the Ohio Five and Ohio State’s shared commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the SURE program has been successful in engaging students from many different backgrounds. Since its 2018 inception, SURE enrollment has included 40% BIPOC, 56% women, and 34% international students.